The Volunteer Award is named for longtime arts supporters Fred and Ann Delchamps.

Each year a different local artist is commissioned to create the awards. This year’s awards were created by glass artist Joe Hobbs, visual arts coordinator for the nonprofit Centre for the Living Arts.

“This was the largest field of nominations since the awards program began in 2004. The chosen recipients truly represent the diversity, breadth and range of talent that constitutes Mobile’s great arts community.”

Catt Sirten (Press-Register/Bill Starling)

Rachel Wright (wrightrachel@bellsouth.net) is a Mobile artist who works in several media including glass, clay, iron, wood and fabric, and is well known for her forays into “wearable art.” She teaches glass and photography at the University of South Alabama.

She was nominated by Sara E. Morales-Morgan, who describes Wright as “an amazing artist, teacher and person.” Her artwork has been exhibited in Mobile, New Orleans, Pensacola, Chicago and other venues.

She has curated shows for Art Off Centre and Space 301, and in 2010 one of her dresses was chosen for display at the Smithsonian’s Cooper-Hewitt Design National Museum in New York.

Adline Clarke (blackbkgft@aol.com) opened Black Classics Books & Gifts in 1998 as “a service to the community,” she told the Press-Register earlier this year. The bookstore offers an impressive selection of African-American literature including biographies, novels, cultural histories and children’s books.

The mission of the bookstore is “to promote and preserve a heritage, a rich heritage,” she told the newspaper’s Roy Hoffman.

“I read and enjoy a wide variety of works, not just books by African-American authors. I’d like for others to do the same. That’s how we all learn to co-exist and live harmoniously. We’re enlightened. We learn.”

Orren Kickliter of the Alabama School of Mathematics and Science. (Press-Register/Victor Calhoun)

Orren Kickliter (bulldadabob@earthlink.net) was nominated by ceramic artist Tony Wright, a member of the USA arts faculty, and several others.

“I admire his ability to be highly effective in the classroom while remaining productive as an artist and an active participant in enhancing the cultural life of our community,” Wright states in his nomination letter.

In addition to his academic duties at ASMS, Kickliter is a member of the artist advisory committee of the Centre for the Living Arts; he also is director of the gallery at the Alabama School of Mathematics and Science, where visual art and academic disciplines such as computer science are integrated.

Under Kickliter’s guidance, exhibits at the cozy gallery demonstrate that “art and science are by no means exclusive pursuits,” Wright says.

The privately funded organization serves its supporters and the greater community through its monthly “Jazz Jambalaya” programs that often highlight jazz artists with Mobile connections such as Lil Greenwood, Cootie Williams and the Excelsior Band.

Under the leadership of president Kevin Lee, arts columnist for Lagniappe, MOJO has sponsored visiting artists, partnered with other organizations for special events, and routinely provides volunteers for local music festivals and related events.

Catt Sirten (catt@radioavalon.com), nominated by David Calametti, fits neatly within many categories but might best be honored for the activities such as his “Brown Bag in Bienville” series, his monthly “Live from Avalon” radio concerts and his Bayfest concert photography, which “allow us to get up close and personal with new and established artists,” Calametti writes.

“His photography gives insight into the passion and talent of his subjects. Is there anyone in this community (who) has done more to directly support local artists over the last 28 years?”

Dr. Martha LoCicero (locicero@comcast.net) was nominated by the Mobile Museum of Art, which cites her for her “exceptionally strong commitment to volunteerism at the museum.”

She joined the museum family in 2004 and was a board member for seven years. As chair of the education committee, LoCicero helped develop an education master plan for the MMA.

She also has been a member of the museum’s docent council and volunteers an average of 30 hours a month leading tours among other activities. She also volunteers for the annual summer art camp that serves more than 200 children.

“Her volunteerism is marked by its diversity, consistency, high quality and quantity,” writes volunteer coordinator Gail Z. McCain. “She is a vital resource.”

Awards will be presented in a ceremony at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 9 in Cathedral Square with a reception honoring the recipients afterward in the Mobile Arts Council offices, 318 Dauphin St.